It all began in 1987. Tariq Trotter and Ahmir Khalib Thompson became friends at the Philadelphia High School for Creative Performing Arts and began performing their own brand of music around school, on sidewalks and at talent shows.
Trotter, known to his fans as Black Thought, rapped and Thompson, aka ?uestlove, played drums using his drum kit. The Roots was born.
As they began to earn money they hooked up with bassist Leon Hubbard, now known as Hub, and rapper Malik B. The quartet began playing local clubs and became a popular underground act in both Philadelphia and New York City.
In 1993, the group was invited to represent the United States at a hip-hop concert in Germany. “Organix,” The Roots’ first album, was sold at the concert. Later that year, they signed with record label DGC. Their second album, “Do You Want More?!!!??!,” was released in 1995 and peaked just short of the Top 100, but it grew popular in alternative circles as The Roots played second stage at Lollapalooza that year.
That same year, they traveled to the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland with two men who had previously toured with them and had appeared on “Do You Want More?!!!??!” Human beatbox Rahzel and Godfather of Noyze, who had previously performed with Grandmaster Flash and LL Cool J, joined the group. Kamal (Scott Storch) also became a member of the group.
“Illadelph Halflife” was released in 1996. Although it reached No. 21 on the album charts, it didn’t become a mainstream hit for The Roots. Three years later “Things Fall Apart” was released. It was called their biggest critical and commercial success. “The Roots Come Alive” followed later that year. “Phrenology” was released in 2002.
In 2004, the group created Okayplayer Company. The company umbrellas a record label and a production/promotion company. It was named after their Web site. In the same year, they released “The Tipping Point.” The Roots have been nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Duo or Group for the album. The award show airs March 25 at 8p.m.
Blender magazine named the song “Don’t Say Nuthin'” No. 44 on its list of Best Songs of 2004. “The Tipping Point” was No. 42 on the magazine’s list of 50 Greatest CDs of 2004.
In 2005 the group has already released “The Roots Presents: A Sonic Event.” It’s a 2004 concert from Manhattan’s Webster Hall and included special guests like Mobb Deep, Young Gunz, and Jean Grae and is available on CD and DVD.
According to MTV.com, “The Roots’ live shows are among the best in the business.” You don’t have to take their word for it, though. The Roots will be headlining a concert featuring John Legend Friday at the Siegel Center. Tickets can be purchased by calling 828-RAMS.